Two face court over carjack pursuit

A HIGH-speed pursuit that lasted 150 minutes and covered 200km from the Sunshine Coast to the NSW border came close to tragedy, NSW police said yesterday.

John Tough, 32, and Calin McCabe, 20, made brief appearances at Tweed Heads Local Court yesterday, alleged to have hijacked three vehicles at gunpoint and stolen a fourth, driven into a police officer and then dashed for the border.

It started in Caboolture, headed up Steve Irwin Way past Beerwah, and then turned south.

The pair has been charged with multiple offences including attempted murder after allegedly shooting at police during their arrest near the Tugun tunnel.

They were remanded in custody.

Superintendent Stuart Wilkins praised the bravery of both Queensland and NSW police officers as well as the efforts of the public but said the outcome could have been very different.

Police are expected to lay further charges while Queensland police have confirmed they will seek extradition.